Another Democrat Running For Congress For Hinchey’s Seat
Leslie Danks Burke, a former New York City lawyer who lives in Ithaca, announced today she will seek the Democratic nomination to run for the seat being vacated by Rep. Maurice Hinchey, D-Hurley, Ulster County.
That’s, of course, if there is a 22nd District. But Danks Burke said in a statement that she plans to run for Congress regardless of what the district looks like and would run against a Republican incumbent.
“I am fortunate to live, work and raise my children in this beautiful region where the Catskills meet the Finger Lakes, and the Southern Tier stretches into Western New York,” Danks Burke said. “I’m committed to seeing upstate New York rebound into an economically vibrant place for everyone who lives here. I work hard for my community, my clients and my family, and I will bring that same determination and passion to representing the people of New York.”
She is currently chairwoman of the town of Ithaca Democratic Party. She moved to Ithaca in 2004. She said he has already raised more than $100,000 for a run.
Danks Burke is the latest to jump into the race to succeed Hinchey, who is retiring at year’s end.
Gannett’s Albany Bureau reported yesterday that Tompkins County Legislator Nathan Shinagawa may run. Already, Julian Schreibman recently resigned as head of the Ulster County Democratic Committee to run for Hinchey’s seat. Other Democrats mentioned include a few of Hinchey’s current and former aides: Dan Lamb and Dan Ahouse.
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These Ithaca Democrats might want to wait to see what the district looks like should it still exist. Hinchey’s success was due to the incredible gerrymandering of the lines of the district that linked Democrat communities together. But, in Upstate NY, Ithaca liberalism isn’t likely to play well without that artificial advantage. Of course, anyone can merely run, it is getting elected that is more difficult. If the new district lines include the Binghamton area, George Phillips may run again and he came within a couple of points of winning last time even in Hinchey’s district.